Pointe des Almadies is a rocky cape on the northwest side of the Cap-Vert peninsula, and the Senegalese tourism agency identifies it as the westernmost point of the African continent, at 17 degrees 32 minutes west. The name is said to come from the Arabic Al Mahdi. A rock barrier protects the tip, and the submerged reefs offshore, known as the Pavement Almadies, are a hazard that a lighthouse warns boats about. The agency notes that many ships were wrecked here in the past, which explains the lighthouse and gives the place a slightly dramatic atmosphere when the Atlantic swell is up. For most visitors the draw is simple: standing at the edge of a continent, watching waves break on dark rock and knowing that the next land to the west is an ocean away.
The cape is a place to enjoy rather than to tick off. Come in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the sky turns orange, and watch the swell on the rocks. The area around it has become one of the more upmarket parts of Dakar, with beach clubs, restaurants and hotels, so you can combine a short walk at the point with a sunset drink or dinner.
The tourism agency page does not list hours or fees, and some stretches of the coast are close to private land, so be ready to follow local guidance on which areas are open. Take care near the edge, because the rocks can be slippery, waves can surge unexpectedly and there are few safety barriers. Keep children close, do not climb on wet rock and avoid swimming off the rocks, where currents are strong.
Staying in the area makes the visit effortless. Hotel pages place Pointe des Almadies beach about eleven to thirteen minutes on foot from Lodge des Almadies and Yaas Hotel Dakar Almadies, and King Fahd Palace stands at the point itself, with the golf club only a couple of minutes away on foot. Ngor Beach and Ngor Island are a short drive or a longer walk away, so the point pairs well with a boat to the island and a seafood lunch.
If you are staying elsewhere, a taxi is the simplest way, and it is sensible to agree a return pickup if you plan to stay for dusk. Add the Mamelles lighthouse and the African Renaissance Monument for a west-coast evening, but allow for traffic on the road back to the centre. Allow thirty to sixty minutes at the point, or an evening if you add a meal. Bring a light jacket for the sea breeze, a camera and a little patience for the light.
What to expect
The experience
A coastal stop at a rocky cape, with views of the surf, the reefs and the lighthouse, and restaurants nearby.
Best time
Late afternoon through sunset, when the light is soft and the heat has eased.
How long
About an hour, or an evening if you add a meal.
Tips
Take care on wet rock, keep children close, bring a light jacket and agree a return taxi.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sunset watchers and anyone who enjoys a landmark with a claim to fame.
- Families
- Fine for a short supervised visit, but the rocks and surf call for close attention.
- Couples
- Pair the sunset with dinner at one of the Almadies restaurants.
- Pair with
- Ngor Island, the Madeleine Islands and the Mamelles viewpoints are all on the same side of the peninsula.
- Time needed
- One hour, or an evening.
Good questions
Is this really the westernmost point of Africa?+
The Senegalese tourism agency describes Pointe des Almadies as the westernmost point of the African continent, at 17 degrees 32 minutes west.
Can you swim there?+
Not safely off the rocks. Currents and surf are strong, so use a proper beach nearby instead.
Is there an entry fee?+
The tourism agency page does not list fees or hours. Access to some stretches may be limited, so follow local guidance.
What is the best time to visit?+
Late afternoon to sunset, when the light is soft and the temperature is more comfortable.
Where should I stay nearby?+
The Almadies hotels, including King Fahd Palace, Yaas Hotel Dakar Almadies and Lodge des Almadies, are within walking distance of the point or its beach.
